Islamic Songs with Musical Instruments and Daff

I understand that “Duf” is permissible in Islam, but what is the Shari’ah ruling listening to Na’ats, Nasheeds, etc with Percussion.

ANSWER

In the name of Allah, Most Compassionate, Most Merciful,

Those musical instruments which are designed specially for dancing and entertainment, and they create charm and pleasure (even without the singing) e.g. drums, violin, guitar, fiddle, flute, etc…..are not permissible (haram) with the consensus of all the Scholars.

Since the first century until now, which includes the Sahaba, Tabi’een, Fuqaha (Jurists) and all the Scholars (Allah be pleased with them all) have been unanimous on this ruling.

Allah Most High says:

“There are among men, those who purchase idle tales to mislead (men) from the path of Allah.” (Surah Luqman)

The great companion, Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud (Allah be pleased with him) states in the explanation of the word, ‘idle talk’: “By Allah, its meaning is music.” (Sunan of al-Bayhaqi)

In a Hadith related by Imam al-Bukhari in his ‘Sahih’, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:

“There will come people in my Ummah, who will make adultery, silk, alcohol, and musical instruments permissible, Allah will change them into monkeys and swine.”

In another Hadith it is stated:

“Music creates hypocrisy, just as water grows crops.” (Sunan al-Bayhaqi)

As far as “Daff” is concerned, to use it at the time of Nikah (wedding) is permissible according to all the Scholars. However, there is a difference of opinion regarding it’s usage at other times. Some Scholars have classed it as Makruh. Others however mention that it is permissible to use it at all times.

It is therefore clear from the above that to listen to Nashids and Islamic songs that are played with musical instruments which are for entertainment and create pleasure without any singing accompanying it, will not be permissible. To listen to Nashids with “Daff” is permissible, although better to avoid, as some Scholars have classed it as disliked (makruh).